Similar items over time

Postcard - 'Healthy Waterways', Melbourne Water, 2003. Illustrated with photographs of a creek and platypus. The rear provides information about the role of Melbourne Water in managing Melbourne's water resources and the environment.

Description:

Postcard with photographs on front.

Statement Of Significance:

These items were collected during the Water Smart Home project and document the developing strategies used by the Victorian Government, water authorities, private industries and communities in confronting the emerging water crisis from 1995 to 2007. It captures the increasing urgency to address the growing imbalance between water supply and demand. It demonstrates a shift in government strategy away from an investment in major infrastructure to a campaign focused on behaviour change methods to reduce water consumption and secure Melbourne's water future.

An interesting feature of this material is the focus on gardening. Prior to water restrictions, Melbourne households used up to 50% of potable water for gardening - a significant focus of the public education campaign was therefore directed to this popular cultural activity and offered many ways to preserve this activity within the limits of Melbourne's water supply.

The Smart Water Fund was set up as part of the 'Our Water Our Future' campaign to support innovative water conservation projects, including Museum Victoria's Water Smart Home project. This material was collected as part of the Water Smart Home project. It shows how the 'Our Water Our Future' campaign infiltrated households in Melbourne, and documents the broader community messages and education strategies.

Inscription on front: 'Healthy Waterways'.Inscription on rear: 'People in Melbourne place great value on local rivers and creeks. So does Melbourne Water. Together, we aim to improve the health of our waterways for the benefit of native animals'.

[Book], Department of Sustainability and Environment Victoria, Our Water Our Future: The Next Stage of the Government's Plan, Department of Sustainability and Environment Victoria, Melbourne, /06/2007, June 2007